Chapter 3 Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology Genital

Chapter 3 Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology

Genital Self-Exam • Purposes of self exams – Increases sexual comfort – Monitor for changes related to health concerns

The Vulva • External female genitalia • Mons veneris • Labia majora • Labia minora

The Vulva

The Clitoris • Only function is sexual arousal • Clitoral stimulation most common way women achieve orgasm • Female genital mutilation

The Underlying Structures of the Vulva

The Vulva • Vestibule (inside the labia minora) – Urethral opening – Vaginal introitus (opening) • Hymen • Perineum – Episiotomy

Underlying Structures • Vestibular bulbs • Bartholin’s glands • Pelvic floor muscles – Kegel exercises

Underlying Structures

Internal Structures: Vagina • 3 layers: mucous, muscle, fibrous • Arousal and vaginal lubrication – Lubrication changes vaginal p. H and increases pleasure • Grafenberg (G) spot • Secretions & chemical balance

Internal Structures

Internal Structures • Cervix • Uterus – 3 layers and fundus • Fallopian tubes – Fimbriae • Ovaries – Up to 472, 000 immature ova at birth – 400 mature in lifetime – Ovulation is the release of ovum

Menstruation • Sloughing off of uterine lining • Myths and negative attitudes • Menarche (initial onset) – Age 11 -15 – Dependent on: • Heredity • Health • Altitude

Menstrual Physiology • Flow – lasts from 2 to 6 days • Volume – varies from 6 to 8 ounces • Duration – varies 24 to 42 days • Menstrual synchrony

Changes During the Menstrual Cycle

The Menstrual Cycle • Hypothalamus releases chemicals that stimulate pituitary • Pituitary produces – Follicle Stimulating Hormone – Lutenizing Hormone • Negative feedback mechanism

Three Phases of The Menstrual Cycle • Menstrual – Shedding of endometrium • Proliferative – Thickening of endometrium, follicle maturation & ovulation • Secretory – Corpus luteum development, further thickening of endometrium

Menstrual Cycle Problems • Premenstrual syndrome – Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) • Dysmenorrhea – painful menses • Amenorrhea – no menses • Self-help for menstrual symptoms – Diet – Exercise • Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

Menopause Terms • Climacteric – Physiological changes during transition period of fertility to infertility • Perimenopause – Time before menopause • Menopause – Permanent cessation of menstruation

Menopausal Symptoms • • • Amenorrhea, then menopause Hot flashes or warm spells Night sweats, interrupted sleep Headaches, poor concentration Depression, anxiety • Symptoms vary from mild to strong

Hormone Therapy • Estrogen – Benefits/Problems • Progesterone – Benefits/Problems • Testosterone – Benefits/Problems • Bioidentical Hormones

Gynecological Health Concerns • • Urinary tract infections Vaginal infections Pap smear screens for cervical cancer Hysterectomy or oophorectomy – Most frequently performed U. S. operation – More frequently performed on low income, less educated women – Non-surgical options

The Breast • • Secondary sex characteristics Mammary glands produce milk Areola is darker area Nipple is in center of areola & has openings for milk

Cross-Section of Breast

Breast Exam: Part 1

Breast Exam: Part 2

Breast Health • Breast Lumps – Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) – Fibroadenomas (solid, round, benign tumors) – Malignant tumor • Breast cancer – – Treatments Risk factors Reconstructive breast surgery Benefits of early detection & treatment